Local News

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of 31-year-old Kaitlin A. Wilson of Phoenix, Arizona, for Criminal Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony. The Sheriff's Department says that on August 16, a Sheriff's Deputy, while working at the Elmira Corning Regional Airport, was notified by the Transportation Security Administration that a loaded handgun was found in the defendant’s checked baggage. The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division was then notified of the investigation, and it was later determined that Wilson does not possess a New York State Pistol Permit. As a result of the investigation, Wils…

The Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society has announced that the annual Fireworks and Party in the Park will be moving to a new location in 2027. Details have not been finalized but the event will not be held at Eldridge Park. “Unfortunately, as the fireworks grew and our crowds increased, we could no longer guarantee a safe environment for our patrons” said Board Secretary Bob Kramarik. “Over 10,000 people attended inside the park this year with thousands enjoying the fireworks offsite. Even with increased security, we encountered multiple people smoking around children, riding e-bikes through the crowd and groups starting fights. These groups who refused to f…

ELMIRA, NY (WETM) – Elmira City Councilman Nick Grasso is now charged with harassment after what police describe as an assault on a woman. Grasso had his first court appearance on the new charges in Elmira City Court on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Source

On Sunday January 11th at approximately 9:20pm Elmira Police were dispatched to Centertown Parking Garage for the report of a possible shooting. Police say officers arrived on scene to find one person had been shot. The victim was taken from the scene to an area hospital for treatment. The victim’s status and identity are not being released at this time. This did not appear to be a random act. The Elmira Police Department is actively investigating this incident and anyone with information about the incident is requested to call the Elmira Police Department at (607) 737-5626 or leave a message on the anonymous tip line at (607) 271-HALT.

Elmira Police Department's K9 Grady has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Grady’s vest was sponsored by Eve R. Hershkowitz of Brielle, NJ and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Eve R. Hershkowitz, Brielle, NJ”. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justic…

An Elmira man has been arrested after police say he was found to be in possession of what's known as a "ghost gun." Elmira Police say on August 7th at around 12:01 am, officers responded to the 400 block of West 5th Street for a disturbance. While investigating the disturbance officers were advised of the possibility of a gun being involved. As a result of the investigation, officers recovered a loaded 9mm privately manufactured semi-automatic handgun, also known as a “ghost gun”, loaded with 9 live rounds of 9mm ammunition. As a result, Tremaine Woodard, no age or address given, was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree a Class C Felony an…

What do you think?

The owner of 420 Novelties in Elmira was arrested recently regarding the sale of marijuana. On July 16, 2026, a Chemung County Grand Jury Indicted 51 year old Christopher J. Mickinkle of Erin on three counts in violation of NYS Penal Law section 222.40 Subdivision 1. Mickinkle was arrested on the above listed warrants on August 1st without incident. Mickinkle was arraigned earier today in Chemung County Court and released. Police say the indictment is a result of an investigation conducted by the Elmira Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, New York State Police VGNET, New York State Police SIU, New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and the Chemung Coun…

WENY News

Saw this on the city website. A million hoops to jump through for a temporary job? Yea, no.

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) — For generations, the Iszard’s building was a place where Elmira families went to shop, gather, and make memories. Now, nearly 40 years after the department store closed, the downtown landmark is getting ready to open its doors once again. Developer Jim Capriotti says the building is about to have a completely new purpose, one that keeps its history alive while bringing something new to the community. According to Capriotti, instead of becoming another department store, the plan is to turn the first floor into a space for local businesses and restaurants. The top three floors will be converted into apartments and condominiums, giving people the chance…

Earlier today, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest of several Elmira residents: 40 year old Eric J. Barner a/k/a E a/k/a Dree 30 year old Ashanique Graham a/k/a Shorty 51 year old Geneno Mable 28 year old Matthew R. Swinko 36 year old Ryan Palmieri All five were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine. Charged in a separate complaint with conspiracy was 31 year old Dominic Murphy, also of Elmira. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum penalty of life, and $10,000…

BIG FLATS, N.Y. (WENY) — The Chemung County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is set to vote on a proposed residential project in the Town of Big Flats on Jun. 11. On Jun. 10, the IDA held a public hearing in the town where residents raised concerns. "After learning about the project, I'm all for growth in our community,” said Big Flats resident Greg Goldthwait. “But I'm not for the late notice of a tax abatement, a PILOT program, coming this late in the game." The proposed development on Hibbard Road and Daniel Zenker Drive would add over 300 new apartments to the Town of Big Flats. The company behind the project, “Riedman Edger,” is requesting a “Payment in Lieu of Ta…

According to WENY News, the new owners of the LECOM Event Center has announced they will be working with OYD Management and OYD Live, a professional event management company, to bring even more activities and events to the arena in the future. "Arena officials say the new partnership expects to bring a fuller event calendar year-round, stronger community involvement, new festivals, celebrations and sports events, national entertainment, and opportunities for Elmira organizations to showcase what they do." What do you think about this new partnership and what events would you like to see at the arena?

In a letter to the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency ( CCIDA ) that was shared on social media on Wednesday, Chemung County Executive Chris Moss voiced some concerns he has pertaining to a deal that the IDA has made to allow the LECOM Event Center, formerly known as First Arena, to change hands. In July it was announced that the owners of the Elmira Aviators hockey team,Stemerman Sports Entertainment, LLC, would be taking over the arena. Image courtesy LECOM Event Center Facebook page In the letter, dated October 8th, Moss states that while he is not totally opposed to the CCIDA transfering ownership of the arena to Stemmerman, he rased concerns about what he…

Several local businesses have announced they will be closed today due to the heat. Those businesses include The Sauce Boss, The Sub Shop and Annes Pancakes. "Our air conditioning has been fighting for its life all week, and with tomorrow’s extreme heat, we’ve made the difficult decision to close for the day to ensure the safety of our staff and protect our equipment," wrote Sauce Boss owner Tony Santulli. Meanwhile, people throughout the region are doing whatever they can to stay cool as temperatures approach the upper 90's with a heat index of nearly 110. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 90's through at least the first half of the July 4th weekend.

An Elmira woman was arrested after an incident at a local restaurant on Friday. According to Sheriff William Schrom, nn Friday, July 3, 2026, around 11:09 A.M., the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Five Guys Burger and Fries, located on County Route 64, in the Town of Big Flats, for a report of a disturbance. It was reported that a female customer was attempting to fight with an employee of the business. Upon arrival, Deputies determined that 36-year-old Larissa A. King of Elmira had entered the business and responded inside the employee area to look for the employee. While doing so, King took possession of a 10” kitchen knife and an open bottle of bleach…

Be Belated Happy 100th Birthday to Sister Raymond Joseph! Sister Raymond Joseph is well known and remembered in the Elmira area, as she once taught throughout the many Catholic schools in Elmira. She is also a Corning native.

Heavy police presence this morning in the City of Elmira was due to are police assisting the U.S. Marshal Service to apprehend a figitive from justice. According to Elmira Police Department, at approximately 9:30 am, law enforcement, including Elmira Police Department, West Elmira Police Department, Chemung County Sheriff's Department and New York State Police, responded to 310 Elm Street. The United States Marshall Service had information that a fugitive, 34 year old On Friday June 26, 2026 at approximately 9:30am the Elmira Police Department responded to 310 Elm St. to assist the New York State Police and United States Marshall’s Service in the execution of an arrest …

On Saturday at approximately 2:11pm, Elmira Police Officers were dispatched to the intersection of Clemens Center Parkway and Division Street for the report of a motor vehicle crash with injuries. Upon arrival officers observed the motor vehicle accident involved a motorcycle and a car. Elmira Police Officers, Chemung County Sheriffs Deputies, Elmira Fire Department, and EMS personnel worked to secure the scene and provide aid to the drivers involved. It was determined that the driver of the motorcycle, 26 year old Hunter Squires of Elmira, was deceased. The operator of the car was transported from the scene by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. The operator o…

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 38-year-old Vincent Depaul, of Waverly for Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree, all Class D Felonies. According to police, on May 26, 2026, at approximately 12:23pm deputies from the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol were dispatched to an address in the Town of Southport for a criminal mischief and theft report. During the investigation, it was learned that someone climbed a cell phone tower approximately 60 feet and cut and removed multiple copper utility lines. Deputies were able to develop a lead fo…

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 45-year-old Christopher S. Price of Elmira Heights for Burglary in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, a Class A Misdemeanor. According to the Chemung County Sheriff's Office, on June 8, 2026, around 09:07 A.M., deputies were dispatched to a residence on Lenox Avenue in the Town of Horseheads for a report of a theft of a motor vehicle. Upon arrival, Deputies discovered that Price had taken the homeowner’s motor vehicle from an address that he had previously been trespassed from. The Criminal Investigation Division was made aware of the burglary and assisted in the rema…

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 29-year-old Krischele C. Brooks of Elmira, for Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony, and Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor. According to Sheriff Bill Schrom, on June 3, 2026, at approximately 10:54 am, deputies from the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol were dispatched to an address in the Town of Southport for a disturbance. Upon interviewing witnesses, it was learned that Brooks allegedly used a motor vehicle to strike a subject during an argument. The victim sustained injuries and received medical treatment at a local hospital. The Criminal Investigation Divi…

This was a good open topic on the last site and recently this popped up on social media: It reads in part: Though it has more to do with where the wrtier works, you can read the entire post here. Focus: The dwindling quality of local news in various formats.